The Pope County Cattlemen’s Association is offering a $1,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction in the death of Buddy the bull, who was found shot dead on Aug. 22 at the Long family farm located on Hopewell Road in Atkins.

Buddy, a five-year-old Charlet bull, was the "stud bull" to 30-40 breeding heifers at the farm, Angela Nogosek, manager of the family farm said..

Nogosek said she was amazed by the support and concern from members of the community, and was especially touched by the reward offered by the Pope County Cattlemen’s Association.

“That is so great of them. We’re so happy to know that people haven’t forgot about what happened and still have hope there will be justice for Buddy,” Nogosek said. “So many people have come up to me personally and asked about (him). It’s not the kind of thing that happens very often.”

Nogosek said the family has not purchased a bull to replace Buddy, who was estimated to be worth $2,000.

The Pope County Sheriff’s Office (PCSO) said the case remains open and added that the department considers Buddy’s death a serious crime.

Sheriff Aaron DuVall said his office has interviewed several people in regard to the crime and hoped the reward would spark renewed interest among the community.

“Hopefully someone will see this and not only empathize with the family, but also be motivated to help us solve the crime,” DuVall told The Courier Thursday afternoon. “Any information we receive will be kept in confidence and hopefully lead to an arrest and conviction in this terrible crime. There is no reason for anyone to have done this.”

Anyone with information should contact DuVall's office at 968-2558.

The Fifth Judicial District Prosecuting Attorney's office said suspects in the case could face a charge of criminal mischief, which is classified as a Class D felony if the amount of property (Buddy) damaged is verified to be of more than $1,000 in value. A Class D felony carries penalties up to a $10,000 fine and six years in prison. A charge of cruelty to animals carries a fine between $150-$1,000 and jail time of up to one year, or probation in lieu of jail time.